DELAWARE, Ohio -- On the back end of conference play, Delaware Hayes shot better, passed better and defended better as they cruised towards an easy 68-36 win over OCC Capital foe Worthington Kilbourne.

 The Pacers stormed out to an 8-0 start, reached a double digit lead in the second quarter and held a comfortable lead that would only grow larger throughout the game. 

While junior Jesse Burris led the Pacers with 18 points, Hayes received a balanced offensive output that saw five different players scored six or more points. In addition to his game-high scoring output, Burris added nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.

The Pacers were red hot behind the arc, as they connected on 11 three-point attempts, with four made from junior Jake Lowman that led to his 12 points, while senior guard Hezekiah Russell scored all nine of his points off a trio of threes.

Hayes did an exceptional job passing the ball as they consistently found an open man inside the paint. Senior Anthony Wilson particularly stood out with his five assists, while Lowman had three.

Although the Wolves came in off a three-game winning streak, their underdog chances took a further hit when it was revealed junior guard Aidan Gallogly, a top scorer for Kilbourne, was sidelined and in a sling due to an apparent arm injury. 

Wolves junior Te’Mar Lewis was then responsible for the bulk of Kilbourne's offense and finished with a 17-point performance. No other player for Kilbourne scored more than five points. 

The win for Hayes (13-4, 8-2) keeps the Pacers just one game behind Westerville North in the race for the OCC Capital. They'll have an opportunity to pick up a crucial conference win as they travel to Westerville South next Friday.

Despite the sound defeat, Kilbourne (7-8, 5-5) should be motivated for a quick turnaround game at neighborhood rival Thomas Worthington on Saturday.

For a further breakdown on Hayes' convincing win, check out the 5 Keys to The Game:

1. Hot-Shooting Hayes: On Friday, the Pacers did a lot of things well, but their well-rounded ability to connect from beyond the arc by far stood out the most. Five different players struck gold from deep, with Lowman and Russell combining for seven makes. All evening, Hayes was unselfish with the ball, never hesitant to make an extra pass and were often rewarded with a made bucket. Come tournament time, if Hayes can continue this type of balanced scoring, they could be a difficult out.

2. Delaware's Youthful Depth: While the Pacers have the potential to accomplish a great deal in the present, the future sure is bright. Out of Hayes' 68 points, 53 were scored by non-seniors. Burris is certainly the most notable of the bunch, but players like Lowman, sophomore Carter Piatt-Brown and freshman Chase Griggs all made notable contributions. If the Pacers can't clinch the OCC Capital this season, they have a strong chance to contend next year.

3. Ballin' Burris: While Friday's win was undoubtedly a total team effort, it's hard to not notice the all-around impact made by Hayes' star junior. Burris did a little bit of everything against Kilbourne and quietly led the way with 18 points. I say quietly because Burris hardly forced anything and appeared to almost effortlessly score at will. I'll have a further breakdown of Burris MVP effort in the upcoming Prospect Scouting Report, but as usual, he was the best player on the floor Friday.

4. Aidan's Absence: Friday's game would have undoubtedly been a closer match had the junior guard been healthy and available. On most nights, he and Lewis alternate as the Wolves top scorer, so with Gallogly sidelined, Kilbourne desperately missed his ability to generate offense. Lewis did more than a honorable job to carry the burden, as he scored nearly half of Kilbourne's points and made some standout plays. I'll highlight him as well in the Prospect Scouting Report, but the Wolves will most likely continue to struggle if Gallogly remains absent. 

5. OCC Capital Chase: While Hayes fans watched their team cruise to an easy victory, it's reasonable to suggest they were also keeping a close eye on the Westerville South versus Westerville North score. Although North prevailed and hold a first place lead by a game, the win for Hayes has the Pacers tied with South for second with a pivotal rematch and an opportunity for redemption next Friday. If Hayes can pull off the win, they'll have to hope for North to get upset in one of their four remaining conference games in order to at least share the league title. Crazier things have happened.

MVP: Jesse Burris (Delaware Hayes junior wing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and three steals)

Lead Scorer: Burris

Hustle Player of the Game: Jake Lowman (Delaware Hayes junior forward with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks)